The closing ceremonies for the Hillsong 2013 NY Conference was almost two days ago, and I am still savoring the glory of the experience. There were so many amazing stories and testimonies shared. The one that most compelled me was that of Joel Houston. He is the lead singer of Hillsong United and co-pastor of Hillsong Church NYC. He testified that his walk with God did not always immunize him from insecurity and loneliness. Joel, a man of God and a pastor, stood before thousands and shared a part of himself. The authenticity of his vulnerability was palpable. It was raw. How much courage that must have taken? Surely, he must have considered what other would have thought of him. What would his flock say? Would they frown on him as a leader for admitting his fallibility, or would they honor him for his humility? The answer is both! The truth is, you could never be everything to everyone, but you could be something to someone. When you and I are vulnerable, it allows others to embrace their own imperfections.

A lot of my confidence has evolved by experiencing other’s vulnerability. For example, as a recently graduated dentist, I had the opportunity to work with an amazing Endodontist (Root Canal Specialist). She had worked previously as a general dentist. Her vulnerability and transparency gave me courage to face my insecurities. It took great courage for her to share some of her pitfalls with me. She stepped out on a limb and trusted that I would not use the information she shared to judge her or scale myself to her. I have to tell you, her act of kindness boosted my confidence.

When we express vulnerability it allows the recipient to know that they are not alone. Vulnerability allows others to know that it is possible to be victorious despite their circumstances.

When Joel shared his story, it reminded me that even those closest to God are still refined by fire. Joel’s testimony not only renewed hope, but it created an opportunity for the development of freedom. Unfortunately, even Christians are held captive by false ideologies. The idea that trials are punishment for misdeeds still permeate the Christian world. That concept is nothing new. Look at Job. His friends thought that his misfortune was directly correlated with his sin. Thankfully, grace is free. God created it in a way where we can’t earn it. We can’t buy it, and, we definitely can’t lose it.

Today, my prayer is that you allow others to experience freedom through your vulnerability. The notion that we always have to have it together is false and dangerous. It creates fodder for negative spirits (e.g. insecurity, doubt, envy and fear). Ask God to grant you the vulnerability to set someone free. In the process, you will learn that the person who will experience the most freedom is YOU!